Colon Surgery

Earl McAllister, MD, FACS

Board Certified General Surgeon located in Tampa, FL

Colon surgery is often needed to treat a wide range of conditions, from inflammatory bowel disease and diverticulitis to colon cancer. Earl McAllister, MD, FACS, has the surgical skill and experience you can depend on to restore your health and achieve optimal outcomes. He’s also highly respected for his bedside manner and taking the time to personally attend to each patient. To learn more about your colon surgery options, call Florida Medical Clinic in Tampa, Florida, or book a consultation online.

Colon Surgery Q & A

What conditions may require colon surgery?

Patients count on Dr. McAllister’s in-depth knowledge about colorectal conditions as well as his surgical expertise to guide their treatment decisions. He devotes time to talking about your condition and the treatment options so you can make the best choice for your health.

Sometimes colon surgery is the last option following all other conservative treatments for your condition. In other cases, surgery is the best choice and performed as your first line of treatment.

These are only a few of the most common colon conditions that may require surgery:

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Colon cancer
  • Volvulus (twisted colon)

Dr. McAllister treats these conditions using a variety of surgical techniques, including:

Colonoscopy

During a colonoscopy, Dr. McAllister examines the inside of your colon, identifies problems such as polyps, inflammation, and strictures, and then repairs them.

Colectomy

A colectomy, also called a bowel resection, is surgery to remove all or part of your colon. After removing the damaged section, Dr. McAllister reattaches the ends of the colon to restore function or performs a colostomy, which diverts the colon to an opening in the abdominal wall.

What is enhanced recovery following colon surgery?

After colon surgery, your recovery may take weeks or months, depending on the surgery performed and your overall health. The average recovery time for minimally invasive surgery and open surgery is improved with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). Patients who receive ERAS may reduce their hospital stay by up to 40% compared to those who don’t undergo ERAS protocols.

Dr. McAllister uses several techniques before, during, and after surgery that help to accelerate your recovery, such as:

  • Presurgery preparation: To prepare for surgery, you’re given clear liquids, a carbohydrate drink, and a temporarily reduced food intake plan
  • Preoperative medications: You may benefit from medications such as an antibiotic or an acid suppressant
  • Anesthesia choices: When possible, an epidural anesthetic is used because it doesn’t affect bowel function
  • Postoperative nutrition and medication: You receive specific nutrients to promote healing and medications to prevent nausea
  • Early mobilization: The team gets you up and walking as soon as possible

ERAS protocols also help reduce postoperative complications and promote an earlier return to normal cardiopulmonary and bowel function.

Will I undergo minimally invasive colon surgery?

Most colon surgeries may be performed using minimally invasive procedures. Since this technique uses a few small incisions, it helps to alleviate trauma and accelerate your recovery. During your consultation, Dr. McAllister reviews your condition and lets you know whether you’re a good candidate.

To learn more about colon surgery options, call Florida Medical Clinic or book a consultation online.